The England head coach Eddie Jones has hit out at Wales after they issued a statement saying they were “surprised” at the decision not to sanction Joe Marler over comments made to their prop Samson Lee in the game at Twickenham.

Joe Marler dropped to bench in England side to face France in Six Nations

Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland apologised on Wednesday for referring to Marler’s remark as banter, though Lee himself called it just that, but on Thursday the WRU issued a statement saying: “We are surprised by the decision of the Six Nations disciplinary hearing. We stand by our belief that there is no place for the use of racist language in sport.

“Clearly this incident has raised broader issues for the game of rugby which require follow up and which we are undertaking directly with Six Nations. Our focus is on preparing for the final weekend of the championship and giving the Welsh public the win they deserve.”

Asked about the statement, Jones said: “Maybe they don’t know whether they are Arthur or Martha.

“There was a decision made, that is what we have these judiciary committees for. I said I would let the process run its route - it has run its route.”

Jones was asked if he thought Marler’s comment had been racist and said: “I spoke to Joe about the situation and said it was inappropriate.”

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He stressed that Marler’s appearance on the bench in Paris was not a form of punishment. “Absolutely not. [Starting with Mako Vunipola] suits the way we are going to play at the weekend.”

Jones then sought to draw a line under the row over Marler’s comment, adding: “We have a grand slam in front of us and a grand slam is much more interesting than something that was said seven days ago.”